Season Finale

     The end of the windy season in Baja is marked by subtle changes in temperature.  The days are now reaching the mid 80's and the water is getting close to 70 degrees, it's back to shorty wetsuits!  Typically windy days will continue well into April, but become less frequent, with 2 or 3 days per week rather than 3 to 5 days from mid November through February.  Last year February was a big let down with only 6 sailable days all month...at least we had El Nino to blame.  With no El Nino this year we had 23 windy days and 6 no-wind days.  We actually had 17 sailable days with 6 more good enough for big sails and kites.  The good news is that March has brought us some of the best days of the season.  The last four days have been full-on 4.7 and steady.  It's been all smiles for everyone who is still here, which is the front row and a few rigs scattered behind.

     
     There are some positive changes that are in the works and should be beneficial for next season.  Work has begun on a fishing pier which will be located in front of the old shrimp factory just south of the campground.  It will extend 30 meters from shore and be connected to a 50 meter floating dock.  The access road will be just south of the building and a boat launching ramp is also part of the plan.  It will be an obvious benefit to fisherman, but how it affects beginning windsurfers and kiters who tend to drift downwind remains to be seen next season.  Good news for those in need of gas and diesel...there is a brand new Pemex station 1.5 miles past the La Ventana turn off towards Los Planos.  No more 30 mile drive to La Plaz to fill'er up.  Lastly, as reported in the Gringo Gazette last week, Costco just purchased a large parcel of property behind Sorianos in La Paz.  This will be the second store for southern Baja with the opening this winter of a Costco in Cabo.  Yes your US Costco card works down here and the store is essentially the same as those in the States.

Also a final note in the equipment department.  I want to add my thoughts on the new '04 Ezzy SE sails along with those in the last Baja Update.  After a season here in Baja my impression can be summed up in two words, balance and power.  I don't recommend sailing without your hands on the boom, but the sails feel so balanced while sailing along that a light tough on the boom is all that's needed.  You glide through the gusts and light spots with ease as the sail handles the ups and downs of the wind.  Lastly the new sails seem to have a slight edge over past models in the power department, they have great low end to get on a plane, and give up nothing on the top end.  If it's time to replace those old sails, it's time to trade up to Ezzy.  One last piece of equipment worth note is the new Chinook Carbon boom.  I have always been impressed with the performance of Chinook's carbon booms, but the new front-end is a definite improvement.  The single line attachment system is simple and secure...it never budged from where I set it.  And there is no need for a shim since it attaches to both standard and RDM masts.  And it articulates to any clew height, eliminating any point pressure on the mast.     

Chinook's new triple clamp head, available on carbon and aluminum booms for 2004.  Click here for more info. 

     It's been a great season here in La Ventana this winter.  The fun time on the water along with all the non-wind adventures here in southern Baja make this a rewarding time for those who have the time and sense of adventure to come here.  The memories of riding out a hurricane and driving Mex 1 have faded and it's time to head north soon.  Max, Nancy and I have enjoyed keeping you updated this winter, if you're in the Gorge this summer stop by Windance and say hi.

Happy sailing, Gary

Gary and Nancy run the Windance Rental & Demo Center in the summer, 
and spend the winter in Baja on the beach in La Ventana